Zola Hopeful Of Signing Tristan

New Manager Gianfranco Zola is confident that West Ham United will be able to complete the signing of Spanish striker Diego Tristan, despite the economic difficulties the club are experiencing.

It is reported that the Icelandic owners of West Ham have informed Zola that he will have to sell players first, in order to bring new faces in to the club. However, Tristan has been training at Upton Park since September after he was released by Italian Serie A club Livorno in the summer.

Tristan was one of the most feared striker’s in Europe during his time at Deportivo La Coruna where he scored 78 goals in 177 appearances. However at Livorno he only managed to score once and quickly fell out of favour.

Zola said “Diego's working very hard and we're pleased with him…He could be a good alternative. He's got a lot of experience and skills…He can do well as long as he gets fit”.

Zola will be hoping that the 32 year old will be able to add to his attacking options after he learnt that Dean Ashton is unlikely to feature until next year.